Anders Foldager booked himself and Team Jayco AlUla another day in the race leader’s yellow jersey at Okolo Slovenska following a hectic finale to stage three.
A bunch finish was anticipated in Dubnica nad Váhom, but technical roads caused splits in the peloton as the line neared and Julian Alaphilippe made the most of them to attack in the final kilometre to win the stage.
Foldager finished in the chasing pack behind, ensuring he held onto the overall race lead. With two more stages to go, the 22-year-old has an advantage of 10 seconds over Alaphilippe in the general classification.
Meanwhile, teammate Mauro Schmid, who debuted his Swiss champion’s jersey during Friday’s stage, sits in third just 13 seconds behind the Danish rider.
Team Jayco AlUla has led the race since the beginning after a commanding win in the team time trial on the first day. Foldager took over the GC lead from his teammate Max Walscheid, after winning stage two in impressive style.
Anders Foldager:
“The final today was really tricky and dangerous. I’m happy that I was able to keep the jersey for another day. We still have many guys up there in the GC and I hope that we can keep the jersey within the team for the last two stages.”
2024 Okolo Slovenska GC after stage 3:
1. Anders Foldager (Team Jayco AlUla) 08:43:23
2. Julian Alaphilippe +10
3. Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco AlUla) +13
Photo: Sprint Cycling
